Blackhall Global Partners Expands In DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Blackhall Studios is moving forward with its $250 million studio expansion in DeKalb County.

Blackhall Global Partners (BGP) — a global soundstage acquisition and development platform — filed for permits last week to begin construction on the studio expansion, located on a 155-acre parcel adjacent to the current Blackhall Studios, according to a news release. BGP formed in early 2020 in partnership with Commonwealth Real Estate and Blackhall Studios Founder Ryan Millsap to expand the studio's footprint around the world.

BGP is continuing to "explore the financial feasibility of this significant expansion," but the economic impact on the county is projected to be more than $1 billion and is expected to add nearly 5,900 jobs countywide, the release said.

Additionally, this studio expansion is expected to have a $1.1 billion economic impact on the state, and will add about 6,700 jobs in Georgia.

“We are proud to be a part of the evolution of Blackhall Studios as their expansion brings economic growth opportunities and quality jobs to our county,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “Being home to the largest movie studio complex in the state of Georgia will bring us closer to fulfilling our vision for South DeKalb becoming a creative ecosystem for film and movie production.”

Commonwealth Real Estate, a Los Angeles-based investment manager, has ties to Atlanta through its managing director of real estate, Peter Rumbold, who is an Emory University graduate.

“We are currently developing large-scale soundstage campuses in three of the world’s most prolific production markets, including here in South DeKalb County,” Rumbold said. “While we are still in the process of a transformative transition for the current Blackhall Studios property, we are moving forward to deliver over a half million square feet of new filming space with additional warehouse, office and catering space on our adjacent parcel.”

Completion on the studio expansion is projected for second quarter 2024.

“Ryan Millsap and Blackhall Studios helped establish South DeKalb County as a premiere location within the film industry,” DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson said. “I look forward to working with the team at Blackhall Global Partners to build upon this solid foundation to bring even more investment, jobs and global recognition to DeKalb County."

Correction: An earlier version of this story mentioned pending litigation between DeKalb County and two environmental groups in regard to a land swap for Blackhall Studios' expansion. The BGP expansion is separate.